Melbourne Zoo: General Entry & Keeper Talks

Walk among giraffes and orangutans at Melbourne's oldest zoo

You spend a full day exploring open-air exhibits across diverse habitats (rainforests, African savanna, Australian bush and underwater displays) at your own pace. Keeper talks are included but optional, so you choose whether to stop and learn or keep moving. Entry covers everything. No additional fees for presentations or exhibits.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Melbourne Zoo at your own pace

• Enter Melbourne Zoo with ticket
• Visit Asian and African rainforests
• See zebras, giraffes, and kangaroos
• Watch orangutans in elevated exhibit
• Walk the Trail of the Elephants
• Spot native wildlife in Australian Bush
• View penguins and seals underwater

The experience

The giraffes stand so close to the fence you can almost touch their necks. Melbourne Zoo has been here since 1862, and it still feels like the animals matter more than the crowds. The exhibits are open-air, the paths wind through actual landscape instead of concrete, and you move at your own pace instead of being herded through. You get a full day to wander, which means you're not rushing past the Asian rainforest to catch a timed slot somewhere else. The keeper talks happen throughout the day at different exhibits, so you can catch a few or skip them and just watch.

The Trail of the Elephants is one of those things that's better than you'd expect. It's not just a viewing platform, it's a walk that actually lets you see how the space works. Then there's the underwater section where Victoria's penguins and seals move in ways that feel almost impossible, and the Australian Bush exhibit where you spot native wildlife without leaving the city. The orangutans have their own elevated area, which sounds like a small detail until you're standing there watching them move through the branches and realizing how much thought went into the design. Zebras, lemurs, monkeys. They're all here, but it's the way the zoo is laid out that makes the difference. You're not standing in front of glass boxes. You're actually moving through different habitats.

Admission includes all the keeper talks and presentations, so if you want to learn something specific (about diet, behavior, conservation). You just show up when it's scheduled. If you'd rather just observe and move on, that works too. The whole site is wheelchair accessible, paths are smooth, and you can bring a stroller if you're traveling with small children. Public transport gets you there easily from central Melbourne, and once you're in, the day is yours to structure however you want.

What’s included

Your ticket includes general admission to Melbourne Zoo for a full day, access to all open-air exhibits across rainforest, African savanna, Australian bush and underwater displays, and entry to all keeper talks and presentations scheduled throughout the day. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, and service animals are allowed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (4 to 15 years): free · Infant (under 4): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Zoos Victoria

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to spend a full day with animals at their own pace without booking a guided tour or worrying about timed entry slots: the self-guided format and included keeper talks mean you can linger where you want and learn when you choose.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years): free; Infant (under 4): free.

How long does it take to see the whole zoo?

Most visitors spend 4–6 hours, but you can stay as long as you like with your ticket. There's no time limit.

Are the keeper talks included in the ticket price?

Yes. All keeper talks and presentations throughout the day are included with general admission.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, and all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What animals will I see?

Giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, lemurs, monkeys, orangutans, elephants, penguins, seals and many others across rainforest, African and Australian exhibits.

How do I get there by public transport?

Public transportation options are available nearby. Check Melbourne's public transport website for routes to the zoo's address.